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Tag: Annie Mumolo

‘Murder Mystery 2’ Interview: Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston
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Premiering on Netflix March 31st is the sequel to the popular film ‘Murder Mystery,’ entitled ‘Murder Mystery 2,’ which was directed by Jeremy Garelick (‘The Wedding Ringer’).

What is the plot of ‘Murder Mystery 2?’

Four years after the events of ‘Murder Mystery,’ Nick (Adam Sandler) and Audrey Spitz (Jennifer Aniston) are now full-time detectives struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground when they’re invited to celebrate the wedding of their friend the Maharaja (Adeel Akhtar) on his private island.

But trouble follows the Spitzes again when the groom is kidnapped for ransom soon after the festivities begin ― making each glamorous guest, family member, and the bride herself a suspect. Now, Nick and Audrey Spitz are on a high-stakes case that could finally give them everything they’ve ever dreamed of: a shot at their detective agency finally becoming successful and a long-awaited trip to Paris.
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Who is in the cast of ‘Murder Mystery 2?’

‘Murder Mystery 2’ stars Adam Sandler (‘Happy Gilmore,’ ‘The Wedding Singer’) as Nick Spitz, and Jennifer Aniston (‘Horrible Bosses,’ ‘We’re the Millers’) as Audrey Spitz, as well as Mark Strong (‘Shazam!’), Mélanie Laurent (‘Now You See Me’), Jodie Turner-Smith (‘Queen & Slim’), Tony Goldwyn (‘Ghost’), Annie Mumolo (‘Confess, Fletch’), Enrique Arce (‘Terminator: Dark Fate’), and Wilmer Valderrama (‘Larry Crowne’).

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston in person about their work on ‘Murder Mystery 2,’ reuniting together, reprising their roles, and the movie’s action sequences.

(L to R) Jennifer Aniston as Audrey Spitz and Adam Sandler as Nick Spitz in ‘Murder Mystery 2.’ Photo: Scott Yamano/Netflix © 2022.

You can read our full interview below or slick on the video player above to watch our interviews with Sandler and Aniston, Jodie Turner-Smith, Enrique Arce, and director Jeremy Garelick.

Moviefone: To begin with, how much more challenging were the stunts in this sequel compared to the first ‘Murder Mystery?’

Adam Sandler: I’d say 86% more?

Jennifer Aniston: 90% more. Were we physical? I mean, what did we do in (the first) movie? We ran down a flight of stairs and drove a car.

AS: How about the worst part of shooting a scene where you have to walk downstairs is you’ve got to walk back up to do it again.

(L to R) Jennifer Aniston as Audrey Spitz and Adam Sandler as Nick Spitz in ‘Murder Mystery 2.’ Photo: Scott Yamano/Netflix © 2023.

MF: What was the toughest stunt to do in this film?

JA: The van stuff was hard. The van stuff was just (challenging) because it was so many pieces, and the Eiffel Tower (scene). I didn’t love hanging from that, it was high up.

AS: There was a lot of jumping around, getting hit, and punching. Axes were involved. What about the shot of me and you when we go out the window and we’re going down, we were in that little machine holding each other.

JA: That was this crazy machine and the camera didn’t move.

AS: You remember when we go out the window and fall into the moat?

JA: Fully. That was a crazy contraption and I don’t know who came up with it. But that was actually you and me.

AS: Some of the glass is CGI, but us falling out and going down, that was old me and Jenny.

JA: The fire scene, though, was physically hard for me personally, just because there were fumes from the fire, fumes from the atmosphere smoke and the ambience, but it looks really beautiful. Then I had some crazy allergic reaction and I woke up and I couldn’t see. Anyway, I didn’t have to work the next day, so I got a day to get that back together.

(L to R) Zurin Villanueva as Imani, Melanie Laurent as Claudette Joubert and Jodie Turner-Smith as Countess ‘Murder Mystery 2.’ Photo: Scott Yamano/Netflix © 2023.

MF: Finally, can you talk about the big dance number in the movie? I understand that you were not told ahead of time that it was a dance sequence or shown any of the choreography. What were you told you would be filming before the cameras started rolling?

JA: Well, we were told that there’s a dance, “Get ready for the dance,” and he had received an email that he forgot to tell me about. So, we were informed in some way.

AS: (We knew) it was going to be a dance. We just didn’t know what the dance was.

JA: I thought I would stay out of the way. (But I was) dragged into it.

AS: We wanted to make it real that we didn’t know what it was, so we jumped in there and we did a few takes of that.

(L to R) Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston star in Netflix’s ‘Murder Mystery 2.’

Other Movies Similar to ‘Murder Mystery 2:’
- ‘Deathtrap‘ (1982)
- ‘Clue‘ (1985)
- ‘Just Go with It‘ (2011)
- ‘Murder Mystery‘ (2019)
- ‘Knives Out‘ (2019)
- ‘Murder on the Orient Express‘ (2017)
- ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery‘ (2022)
- ‘Death on the Nile‘ (2022)
Where to Stream and Watch: ‘Murder Mystery 2’

Buy Adam Sandler Movies On Amazon

‘Murder Mystery 2’ is produced by Happy Madison Productions, Endgame Entertainment, Echo Films, and Vinson Films, and scheduled for release on Netflix March 31st.
March 28, 2023
Movie Review: ‘Confess, Fletch’

Jon Hamm as Irwin “Fletch” Fletcher in ‘Confess, Fletch.’

The new mystery comedy ‘Confess, Fletch’ marks the third big screen adaptation of author Gregory Mcdonald’s popular series of novels, following 1985’s ‘Fletch’ and 1989’s ‘Fletch Lives,’ both starring Chevy Chase.

The new movie, which opens in theaters, on digital, and on demand beginning September 16th, was directed by Greg Mottola (‘Superbad’) and stars Jon Hamm (‘Top Gun: Maverick’) in the title role.

Former investigative reporter Irwin “Fletch” Fletcher (Hamm) finds himself in Italy helping a wealthy man locate his stolen paintings. Fletch soon falls in love with the man’s daughter (Lorenza Izzo), but then discovers that her father has been kidnapped and they are demanding the paintings in return.

Fletch finds a clue to where the paintings could be and travels to Boston to investigate. However, upon arrival Fletch is accused of the murder of a woman he’s never met. With Boston Detective Monroe (Roy Wood Jr.) investigating him, Fletch will have to call on help from his old editor Frank (John Slattery), in order to solve the murder, find the paintings, and rescue his girlfriend’s father.

John Slattery in ‘Confess, Fletch.’

The result is an enjoyable comedic mystery that is far more faithful to the source material than the Chevy Chase movies, and finally finds the perfect star vehicle for John Hamm’s particular talents after ‘Mad Men.’

I’m a huge ‘Fletch’ fan. My dad read the novels when I was a kid, and ‘Confess, Fletch’ was the first “adult” book I ever read. I also loved the Chevy Chase movies, especially the original 1985 ‘Fletch.’ But even as a kid, I knew that ‘Fletch’ and ‘Fletch Lives’ are really Chevy Chase comedies and not straight adaptations of the books. There always seemed like there could be another direction to take this character.

A new ‘Fletch’ movie has been in the works for years. At one-point Kevin Smith was going to take on the franchise and either cast Jason Lee or Ben Affleck in the title role. Then after the release of ‘Garden State’ it looked like Zach Braff would both direct and star in a reboot of ‘Fletch,’ but neither ever came to pass.

As a fan I am glad because I really liked director Greg Mottola and producer and actor John Hamm’s version of Mcdonald’s character. Mottola does not direct the movie as a comedy, but rather as a mystery noir with funny characters in it. His choice of a jazz music soundtrack also sets the mood and gives the film a fun tone. I also liked the choice to set the movie in Boston, Mcdonald’s hometown, and since Fletch is a diehard Lakers fan, that leads to several comedic moments.

Jon Hamm in ‘Confess, Fletch.’ Photo courtesy of Miramax.

But ‘Confess, Fletch,’ much like the original ‘Fletch’ only works because of the actor playing the title character. While many fans may have a hard time seeing anyone except Chevy Chase play this role, I do believe that Jon Hamm was uniquely qualified to play Fletch. In the books, Fletch is described as handsome, charming, witty, and a bit arrogant. While Chase’s performance captures some of those elements, he played the character much sillier and goofier than he was in Mcdonald’s novels.

We all know John Hamm is very handsome, but we also know that he can be incredibly funny, and it’s that combination that really makes him perfect for this role. Fletch is a bit of a flirt, and that is believable from Hamm, and also believable that the women might flirt back. Hamm’s natural charm exudes in this role and he seems very comfortable in the part. It really is the perfect vehicle for the actor right now, who has had some missteps in his post ‘Mad Men’ career but is coming off the huge success of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ this summer.

On a whole, the movie is far from perfect and certainly has some plot issues. The mystery is not exactly hard to figure out, but to be honest, the novels were never really about solving the mystery, they were more about watching Fletch bumble his way through solving it himself, and in that aspect the movie delivers.

Some of the supporting cast is a little too over-the-top at times with their “whacky” characters including Oscar winner Marcia Gay Harden, who plays Fletch’s girlfriend’s step-mother. While the actress is clearly having fun with the role, her performance seems rushed and forced at times. The same could be said for Annie Mumolo’s nosy neighbor, and Kyle MacLachlan’s EDM loving art consultant. While their characters add to the comedy, they just don’t come off as believable in the end.

Marcia Gay Harden in ‘Confess, Fletch.’

In contrast, Lorenza Izzo, who was last seen in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,’ was solid as Fletch’s girlfriend. While her role is limited to keeping the plot moving at times, the actress is charming in the role and even keeps you guessing as to her true intentions right up to the end of the film.

But the true treat for ‘Mad Men’ fans is to see John Slattery and Jon Hamm on screen together again. Slattery plays iconic ‘Fletch’ character Frank Walker, who was portrayed by Richard Libertini in the Chevy Chase movies. Of course, Slattery and Hamm have great chemistry together, and Slattery is a great casting choice for Fletch’s grumpy former boss. Also, for ‘Fletch’ fans, there is a cool Easter egg when Frank is introduced in ‘Confess, Fletch’ as we also meet Larry, who was played by Geena Davis in the 1985 movie.

In the end, ‘Confess, Fletch’ is really Jon Hamm’s movie and for the most part, he makes it work. Whatever short comings the film may have, it overcomes it with a charming performance from Hamm, strong directing choices from Mottola, and of course, Mcdonald’s iconic character.

‘Confess, Fletch’ receives 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Jon Hamm as Irwin “Fletch” Fletcher in ‘Confess, Fletch.’
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September 16, 2022
Jon Hamm and Director Greg Mottola Talk ‘Confess, Fletch’

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Opening in theaters, on digital, and on demand beginning September 16th is the new comedy ‘Confess, Fletch,’ from director Greg Mottola (‘Superbad’).

The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Gregory Mcdonald, which was previously adapted into 1985’s ‘Fletch’ starring Chevy Chase.

The new film stars Jon Hamm as Irwin “Fletch” Fletcher, a former investigative reporter whose girlfriend’s father has been kidnapped. But while Fletch investigates, he’s accused of murder. Now, he must solve both crimes, proving his own innocence in the murder, while rescuing his girlfriend’s father.

In addition to Jon Hamm, the cast also includes Lorenza Izzo, John Slattery, Marcia Gay Harden, Ron Wood Jr., Ayden Mayeri, Annie Mumolo, and Kyle MacLachlan.

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jon Hamm and director Greg Mottola about their work on ‘Confess, Fletch,’ adapting the novel, why Hamm wanted to play the character, the visual style of the movie, and where the series could go from here.

(L to R) Director Greg Mottola and Jon Hamm from ‘Confess, Fletch.’

You can read our full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Hamm, Mottola, Roy Wood Jr., Ayden Mayeri, and Lorenza Izzo.

Moviefone: To begin with, in addition to an actor you are also a producer on this project. Jon, what was it about this series of novels and playing this character that really appealed to you?

Jon Hamm: Well, like a lot of people I was introduced to this character through the 1980’s Chevy Chase film, and immediately fell in love with not only Chevy’s interpretation of it, but that whole kind of style of comedy. It was very funny and fun.

Then I was turned onto the books and realized that there were 10 or 11 other stories in this chain of stories with this character. Then I also realized upon reading all of the books that the character in the book was significantly different from what Chevy brought to it. I thought over the course of my becoming a bankable actor, that there would be an opportunity maybe to redefine it a little bit for a new generation and get back maybe to some of the original takes on it.

Taking nothing away, obviously, from what Chevy has done, which is obviously beloved and very funny. But we saw an opportunity to actually kind of reconfigure this a little bit, and in success we have the rest of the series of novels to hopefully make. We’re excited that this might be the first step down the path of reimagining ‘Fletch’ for a new audience and a new generation.

MF: Greg, as a director, what were some of the different aspects of this character and the original books that you wanted to draw on for this film?

Greg Mottola: I felt like a lot of the comedy in the first one was Chevy, who I was a huge fan of as a kid. I felt like we’d be stealing from him if we were to use some of his innovations that were different from the books. We decided we’d go a little closer to the tone of the books, and make it a little more of a clear whodunit detective story with comedy, of course. But the comedy would be more in the verbal dry side as opposed to slapstick. Once we started, I guess I saw it as a comedy of manners.

When we put Jon in the middle of this world of a lot of kooky characters, a lot of oddballs, some of whom he really likes and finds amusing, it’s a lot of character work with funny actors playing these people. That’s the stuff I love the most as a director and writer is to work with actors, great actors, to create characters that are indelible, specific, funny and memorable.

Jon Hamm as Irwin “Fletch” Fletcher in ‘Confess, Fletch.’

MF: Jon, how would you describe your version of Fletch?

JH: I think he’s pretty comfortable in his own skin. I think he is a great studier of the human condition and of whatever environment he is in. He is intrinsically aware of it, which doesn’t mean he’s always right. I think one of the funny parts of this character is that he’s often wrong.

He’s coming at it from what he thinks is the absolute certainty of his opinions and convictions, and yet he’s wrong. That shows up on several occasions in the movie, but it doesn’t bother him. It’s part of the process, it’s part of the discovery and that’s what makes life worth living. I think that is what is endearing to the audience to getting to know Fletch. He definitely knows how to withhold some things for sure.

MF: Finally, Greg, can you about the look and visual style that you wanted to use for this particular character and story?

GM: I wanted to keep it a kind of classic Hollywood detective movie. Not shoot it too bright of a comedy, but to shoot it a little more like a dramatic detective story. I had a great DP who made things look really pretty. I wanted to show Boston, Boston looks so good on film.

We were shooting in the pandemic and people were letting us into their homes because I think they were just so desperate to see humans. They were letting us to these beautiful spaces. I would even think “Are you sure you want to let a film crew in there?” But I wanted to make sure we shot it in a way that you really took in the environment and took in Boston. It’s such a great city.

(L to R) John Slattery and Jon Hamm in ‘Confess, Fletch.’
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September 13, 2022
Eight Great Summer Vacation Movies

Meatballs

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Sometimes overlooked in favor of other “slobs vs. snobs” comedy classics from the same era, like Animal House and Caddyshack, this was Bill Murray’s first starring role, and the feature directorial debut for Ivan Reitman. Murray stars as Tripper, head counselor at Camp North Star, a bargain-basement summer camp in Ontario. Murray takes the lonely Rudy (Chris Makepeace) under his wing while still overseeing a group of oddball counselors-in-training as they have their own romances, pull pranks on the camp’s director, and take on wealthy Camp Mohawk in a yearly tournament. It’s ultimately a sweet story, without ever getting quite as crass as some of the era’s other films starring Saturday Night Live alumni. ‘Meatballs’ would turn out to be hugely successful, spawning three mostly unrelated sequels and countless knockoffs.

Wet Hot American Summer

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If ‘Meatballs’ saw plenty of lesser imitations, ‘The State’ alumni David Wain and Michael Showalter stepped up with a satirical take on summer camp movies. Although it bombed at the box office, it’s since become a cult classic, spawning two series on Netflix (one prequel and one sequel). There’s an amazing cast here, including Bradley Cooper, Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Amy Poehler, Judah Friedlander, Janeane Garofalo, Christopher Meloni, and David Hyde Pierce, plus other alumni from ‘The State,’ such as Ken Marino, Michael Ian Black, and Joe Lo Truglio. There’s a plot here about the camp putting on a talent show, counselors in love, and a falling piece of Skylab that threatens everyone’s lives, but it’s really just an excuse to see some stars and future stars show off some great comic chops.

Dirty Dancing

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For those that haven’t gotten around to seeing this classic, it’s easy to write off ‘Dirty Dancing’ as sappy romance. But that would be wrong. It’s an emotionally satisfying coming-of-age story about Frances “Baby” Houseman (Jennifer Grey) and her steamy summer romance with dancer Johnny (Patrick Swayze). The dancing is terrific, Grey and Swayze have terrific chemistry. Written by Eleanor Bergstein and based on her own summer trips to the Catskills, Baby’s adventure starts because she and her family are taking a summer vacation at Kellerman’s a tony resort. Baby sees hints of classism between some of the staff, and she finds herself drawn more to the working class staffers instead of the Ivy League-bound waiters. The film subversively gives Baby agency, letting her pick her own friends and make her own choices in her sex life; she has a summer fling with a sexy dancer and isn’t punished by fate for it. That was fairly groundbreaking in 1987, and is (sadly) might still be considered unusual in some corners even now.

National Lampoon’s Vacation

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This is another film that started a franchise, but the original version is still the best. Based on screenwriter John Hughes’ own National Lampoon story about a disastrous road trip, the movie focuses on the Griswold’s drive from Chicago to California for a visit to a thinly-veiled version of Disneyland called “Wally World.” Chevy Chase puts in a legendary turn as Clark, the increasingly obsessive patriarch of the Griswold clan. Clark is going to have a great road trip with his family whether they like it or not, and if he becomes Ahab in a station wagon, then so be it. Beverly D’Angelo hits just the right notes as Clark’s wife Ellen, as does Anthony Michael Hall and Dana Barron as their children Rusty and Audrey. Chase and D’Angelo would return for sequels, and it became a running joke that Rusty and Audrey would be recast in every subsequent film. This first adventure sees car trouble in the desert, an unwanted passenger, a temptress in a Ferrari, and a visit with Cousin Eddy (a reminder of when Randy Quaid was funny). It’s filled with laughs, but it will definitely make you think twice about future family road trips.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

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Based on the best-selling YA novel by Ann Brashares, this is the story of four teen girls, best friends since childhood, who are about to spend their first summer apart. But before three of them leave town, the quartet go shopping and find a pair of jeans that magically fit each one of them. The four decide that they’ll share the pants for the summer, and while each of them have these mysterious jeans in their possession, their individual summers are upended. Blake Lively, America Ferrara, Alexis Bledel, and Amber Tamblyn play Bridget, Carmen, Lena, and Tibby (respectively). The movie captures the charm of the novel, in no small part because of the charisma and chemistry of the stars, and it’s ultimately a heartwarming tale about female friendships and the bonds young women make that can last a lifetime.

Girls Trip

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The annual Essence Music Fest takes place in New Orleans every 4th of July, and that’s the backdrop for Ryan Pierce’s (Regina Hall) attempt to reunite with three of her friends from college. Pierce is a bestselling author and lifestyle guru, poised to be “the next Oprah.” She’s scheduled to speak at the festival, so she invites her college friends to join her, in the hopes of rekindling their friendships. These other three have lives of their own now; Sasha (Queen Latifah) is a celebrity gossip blogger, Lisa (Jada Pinkett Smith) is a working single mother, and Dina (Tiffany Haddish) is still party-girl Dina, all these years later. These four actors are great together, but Tiffany Haddish is a revelation here, stealing the movie and never giving it back. The film isn’t afraid to remind us that women can and do party hard, but it doesn’t lose sight of these friends repairing burned bridges and reaffirming their love for each other.

Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar

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One of the casualties of quarantine is that this film didn’t get a proper theatrical release. That’s a shame, because as funny as this movie is, it would have been even more side-splitting with a big audience. Make no mistake, this movie is straight up bananas from beginning to end. Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo wrote the script and star as Star and Barb, two middle-aged best friends that talk a bit too much, they can be both clueless and timid, but once they hit Vista Del Mar, the movie all but explodes into mayhem. To describe too much would be to take away some of the stunningly insane jokes packed wall-to-wall across the entire film. But suffice to say you may never look at Jamie Dornan the same way again.

The Endless Summer

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This is one of the first and probably still the best surf movie ever made. Director Bruce Brown follows two surfers, Robert August and Mike Hynson, as they leave Southern California and travel to surf spots around the world, including South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Tahiti, Senegal, New Zealand, Hawaii, and Australia. Brown’s breezy narration is a far cry from the stiffer voices heard in most documentaries at the time, and it lends an inviting tone to the gorgeous cinematography of the both surf action and the local landscapes. This documentary might help non-surfers understand the appeal of surfing more than any other film ever made, and the idea of an “endless summer” means its welcome on any day of the calendar year.

June 7, 2021
What to Watch this Week: ‘Barb & Star,’ ‘Land,’ ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ and more

If you’re curious as to what new movie this week might be best for you, Moviefone is here to help you find it and watch it. This week’s selection of movies features a zany comedy, a historic drama, and several varieties of character-driven stories. Here are the movies we’re suggesting this week:

Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar (Premium VOD)

Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo in ‘Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar’

Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo reunite after their Bridesmaids success and introduce us to two women who are best friends that just became FUNemployed. Throwing caution to the wind, they travel down to sunny Vista Del Mar for a much-needed break from their average lives. What they don’t know is that Vista Del Mar is in the crosshairs of an evil criminal mastermind Barbara Minerva (Wiig) and her lovesick sidekick (Jamie Dornan). But hey, before all that happens, there’s still time for a cocktail served in a fishbowl.
Watch this if… You don’t understand how this took so long to make happen after Bridesmaids, watch Kristen Wiig Saturday Night Live reruns, and need to watch something unpredictable.
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Cowboys (Premium VOD)

Sasha Knight and Steve Zahn in ‘Cowboys’

Joe (Sasha Knight) was born female but identifies as a boy. As he brushes off his mother’s (Jillian Bell) attempts to make him wear pink cowboy boots in their small hometown in Montana, it appears that the only person willing to understand him is his father Troy (Steve Zahn). When he is released from prison, he and Joe go on the lam in the Montana wilderness with nothing but a stolen horse and campfire songs. Ann Dowd plays the law enforcement agent on the case.
Watch this if… You crave vast landscapes, absolutely ADORE Steve Zahn, and are interested in heartwarming tales of acceptance with a side of danger.
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French Exit (In theaters in Los Angeles and New York)

Michelle Pfeiffer and Lucas Hedges in ‘French Exit’

Michelle Pfeiffer’s glamorously forlorn Frances thought that her life would run out before the money did. Alas, she was incorrect, and as she finds herself on the brink of financial ruin, she liquidates her assets, grabs her adult son (Lucas Hedges) and her cat (Tracy Letts), and leaves New York for a small apartment in Paris. She is the kind of woman who sharpens knives in the dark and lights cigarettes in a steady stream that (unfortunately) looks every bit as cool as tobacco companies promised in their early days. The move didn’t brighten Frances’ dreary skies, and she must figure out how to get her figurative groove back, and the journey proves fabulous.
Watch this if… Seeing Michelle Pfeiffer’s version of “down and out” makes you feel warm and fuzzy, and if you are especially interested in noteworthy cat roles.
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Judas and the Black Messiah (In theaters and HBO Max)

Daniel Kaluuya in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’

The Black Liberation Movement of the 1960s was considered by J.Edgar Hoover “the greatest threat to our national security.” The FBI, under pressure to quell the movement, coerced a former car thief, William O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield), into helping them bring down the leader of The Black Panthers, Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya). While O’Neal was actively working against them and rising in their ranks, the film captures the power of the revolution, and how timely their message still is today.
Watch this if… You’re a history buff, and want an Awards Season film with incredible performances.
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Land (In theaters)

Robin Wright in ‘Land’

Robin Wright’s feature film debut has her starring as Edee, a woman that needs an escape from society, and who seeks refuge in the wilderness. Since she is woefully unprepared for the harsh reality of Wyoming country life, she finds herself in need of help. Thankfully Demiàn Bichir is there to lend his knowledge of the land and a sympathetic ear, and together their interactions against the gorgeous landscape help their troubled hearts heal.
Watch this if… You’re in House of Cards withdrawal, want to support Wright’s first feature film, and like movies with lots of meaningful staring.
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The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (Amazon Prime Video)

Kyle Allen and Kathryn Newton in ‘The Map of Tiny Perfect Things’

While you find yourself in what feels like a real-life time loop, why not check out this time-loop movie based on a short story about gifted, nerdy teenagers?! Mark (Kyle Allen) and Margaret (Kathryn Newton) are two crazy kids with varying degrees of desire to leave their small town. Mark is an artist, stuck in the familiar time loop scenario…but when he meets Margaret and realizes he’s not alone in reliving the same day, his predictable world opens up into an entirely new experience. You’ll feel a little déjà vu watching this, but the added YA spin and charming protagonists will help the feeling pass.
Watch this if… You want something off the beaten path for Valentine’s Day and have watched Palm Springs too many times.
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Minari (In theaters)

Alan Kim and Steven Yeun in ‘Minari’

Director Lee Isaac Chung introduces us to the Yi family, who have left Korea in search of prosperity in America. Their dream is to begin a farm in 1980s Arkansas. Jacob (Steven Yeun) and Monica (Yeri Han) do their best to introduce their family to the community and get their fledgling business off the ground. While they toil and worry and do all the things parents do, their impossibly adorable son David (Alan Kim) and the family matriarch Soonja (Yuh-jung Youn) make an irresistible pair of co-conspirators.
Watch this if… You need to feel really, really good.
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February 12, 2021
‘Bridesmaids’ Stars Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo’s ‘Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar’ Gets 2020 Release Date

Universal

A “Bridesmaids” reunion has been set for next year.

Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo’s movie “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,” which they co-wrote and star in, has received a release date from Lionsgate of July 31, 2020.

The movie follows the titular best friends, Barb (Mumolo) and Star (Wiig), who leave their small Midwestern town for the first time to go on vacation in Vista Del Mar, Fla., where they soon find themselves tangled up in adventure, love, and a villain’s evil plot to kill everyone in town.

Jamie Dornan and Damon Wayans Jr. also star. Josh Greenbaum is directing.

Wiig and Mumolo make quite the writing duo. They penned the blockbuster “Bridesmaids” and earned an Academy Award nomination for it.

August 9, 2019
‘Bridesmaids’ Writers Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo to Star in Lionsgate Comedy

Universal Pictures

The “Bridesmaids” writing duo is back at it.

Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo are set to star in an upcoming Lionsgate comedy that they co-wrote, THR reports. They’ll play the title characters in the film, which is titled, “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar.”

The story centers on Barb and Star, two best friends who leave the Midwest for the first time for a Florida vacation. There, they get more than they bargained for. Specifically, they get mixed up in a villain’s homicidal plot against the residents of Vista Del Mar, Florida.

Josh Greenbaum (“Becoming Bond”) is set to direct “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,” and he had great things to say about the movie’s writers. He praised Wiig and Mumolo’s “original, fresh, and undeniably hilarious voice.” We’ll apparently see it “in spades” in the film.

Wiig and Mumolo’s last big-screen collaboration was 2011’s “Bridesmaids,” and they earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. In addition to co-writing the script, Wiig starred in the film and Mumolo had a small role as a passenger on the plane Wiig’s character was kicked off of. This time, we can expect Mumolo to have a lot more screen time.

In terms of acting, Mumolo has previously had roles in films such as “Bad Moms” and “The Boss.” Meanwhile, Wiig stars in the upcoming “Where’d You Go, Bernadette.” She also recently voiced a character in “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” and appeared in 2017’s “Mother.”

Wiig and Mumolo will produce the upcoming movie, along with Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, and Gloria Sanchez Productions. Meredith Wieck and Jim Miller are overseeing for Lionsgate.

[via: THR ]

April 17, 2019